Hazel in Irish (Coll): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for hazel?

The Irish for hazel is coll (pronounced “kowl”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean letter c in ogham.

Q: Does coll have more than one meaning?

Yes. Coll can mean hazel or letter c in ogham, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “hazel” in Irish

Irish:: coll
English:: hazel, letter c in ogham
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “kowl” /kəul̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: coill, an choill (e.g. cnó coill, hazelnut)

What does “coll” mean?

“Coll” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

hazel: The hazel tree or shrub; also found in compounds such as 'crann cnó coill'.Also: hazel tree, hazel bush.

1 other meaning: letter c in ogham

2letter c in ogham: The name of the Ogham letter for C, named after the hazel.Also: ogham c, letter c, coll ogham.

“Coll” with the article

Here is coll after the article (an t-alt).

an coll

the hazel

No change after an

“Coll” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using coll, the Irish word for hazel.

Is crann dúchais in Éirinn é an coll.

Hazel is a native tree in Ireland.

Bhailíomar cnónna coill san fhómhar.

We gathered hazelnuts in the autumn.

Bhí slat choill aige mar bhata siúil.

He had a hazel rod as a walking stick.

Fásann coll go maith sa Bhoirinn.

Hazel grows well in the Burren.

Bhí an coll faoi bhláth go luath san earrach.

The hazel was in bloom early in spring.

Sa seanscéal, d'ith an bradán cnónna coill.

In the old story, the salmon ate hazelnuts.

Is é coll ainm na litreach C san Ogham.

Coll is the name of the letter C in Ogham.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

cónaíliving fáilgetting áitplace comhairleadvice teachhouse fearman

Hazel in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for hazel?

The Irish for hazel is coll (pronounced “kowl”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean letter c in ogham.

How do you pronounce coll in Irish?

Coll is said like “kowl” (IPA /kəul̪ˠ/).

Does coll have a plural?

No plural form is given for coll in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does coll have more than one meaning?

Yes. Coll can mean hazel or letter c in ogham, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does coll change to choll or gcoll?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) coll becomes mo choll (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcoll (eclipsis).

Is 'coll' the same as 'coill' meaning a wood?

No. 'Coll' is hazel, and its genitive is 'coill' as in 'cnó coill'; 'coill' (feminine, genitive 'coille') is a separate word meaning a wood or forest.

What is the Salmon of Knowledge connection?

In the legend, 'Bradán an Fheasa' gained its wisdom by eating 'cnónna coill' that fell into the well.

Hazel in Irish (Coll): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage